Philippians 1-2
Sounds odd that we have the privilege of suffering, but that is what Paul tells us... "For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him." What does it mean to have the privilege of suffering for Christ? How long is line? Are there lots of people waiting to exercise that privilege? Or, instead are Christians doing anything they can to avoid suffering?
From a personal perspective, I have to admit that suffering has always represented something that I wanted nothing of. Death wasn't something that I dreaded, but suffering, now that was different. I think that the loss of control associated with suffering is part of the stress. Suffering usually comes uninvited into our lives... out of our control... of course that is probably also why positive benefits are an outcome of suffering handled well.
When we are called to suffer for Christ, and step up to the privilege being offered, a new math comes into play. The outcome is not simply the sum of the parts, but rather Christ supplies a multiplier that makes it so worth it. The key to experiencing that success is exercising the trust on the front end of Paul's equation.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Are You Listening?
1 Kings 19-22
After defeating 450 prophets of Baal, Ezekiel becomes afraid for his life because Jezebel put her sights on him, so he runs away and asks God to take his life. Ezekiel is clearly not thinking straight. As he slept under a broom tree, an angel of the Lord brought him bread and water and told him to eat. Ezekiel then traveled 40 days and nights to Mt Sinai. Once there he heard God say "What are you doing here, Ezekiel?"
Surely a prophet of the stature of Ezekiel knew the voice of God, but I wonder if he was listening on that long trip to Mt Sinai, or whether he was so focused on getting of of Jezebel's reach that he was deaf even to the voice of God. I wonder if that is why God tested Ezekiel's hearing next... first came a great wind, but that wasn't God, then an earthquake, then a fire, but those weren't God either. Finally God came in a gentle whisper, and Ezekiel heard it. God had Ezekiel's attention again... and sent him on a mission.
Is that me? Am I listening? If God whispers to me, will I hear it? Or am I too focused on my issues?
After defeating 450 prophets of Baal, Ezekiel becomes afraid for his life because Jezebel put her sights on him, so he runs away and asks God to take his life. Ezekiel is clearly not thinking straight. As he slept under a broom tree, an angel of the Lord brought him bread and water and told him to eat. Ezekiel then traveled 40 days and nights to Mt Sinai. Once there he heard God say "What are you doing here, Ezekiel?"
Surely a prophet of the stature of Ezekiel knew the voice of God, but I wonder if he was listening on that long trip to Mt Sinai, or whether he was so focused on getting of of Jezebel's reach that he was deaf even to the voice of God. I wonder if that is why God tested Ezekiel's hearing next... first came a great wind, but that wasn't God, then an earthquake, then a fire, but those weren't God either. Finally God came in a gentle whisper, and Ezekiel heard it. God had Ezekiel's attention again... and sent him on a mission.
Is that me? Am I listening? If God whispers to me, will I hear it? Or am I too focused on my issues?
Monday, June 28, 2010
Leftovers
Leviticus 7-9
Amongst all of the various sacrifices that the ancient Israelites were to offer up to God... burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, guilt offerings, etc., the peace offering has some extraordinary requirements. It was usually made in response to a positive change in circumstance or as a spontaneous response to treaties, etc., as such it was a holy meal and hence special requirements.
The meat did not have to be consumed that same day, but if not finished the first or second day, the leftovers needed to be burned up... none could be eaten on the third day. If anyone ate of the meat on the third day, then the person eating the meat sinned, and no credit was given to the original offerer. Any of the meat that touched anything ceremonially unclean was to be burned, or else the person who ate of it would be cut off from the community. When one seeks to please the creator of the heavens and the earth by offering a sacrifice, one should be careful to follow the rules laid out by that creator.
Amongst all of the various sacrifices that the ancient Israelites were to offer up to God... burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, guilt offerings, etc., the peace offering has some extraordinary requirements. It was usually made in response to a positive change in circumstance or as a spontaneous response to treaties, etc., as such it was a holy meal and hence special requirements.
The meat did not have to be consumed that same day, but if not finished the first or second day, the leftovers needed to be burned up... none could be eaten on the third day. If anyone ate of the meat on the third day, then the person eating the meat sinned, and no credit was given to the original offerer. Any of the meat that touched anything ceremonially unclean was to be burned, or else the person who ate of it would be cut off from the community. When one seeks to please the creator of the heavens and the earth by offering a sacrifice, one should be careful to follow the rules laid out by that creator.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The Hardest Parable
Luke 15-16
Every time I read through the parable of the shrewd manager I think maybe this time God will open my eyes to the true meaning, and every time I come away empty. If I read it online, I often try to Google the understanding, but none of the commentaries I've read ring true. I almost thought I found an answer today, but it didn't really speak to my soul. I'm sure there are other parables that I'm wrong about what message God is telling me, but in this parable, I have no such doubts. I am positive that I don't know.
I was reading a blog the other day about anosognosia... not knowing what you don't know. In this case, I'm not clueless about my lack of knowledge, I know very clearly that I don't know what it means, but it got me to thinking about those areas where I think I know what God is telling me, but I'm wrong. Spiritual arrogance is a dangerous thing... maybe Jesus threw the parable of the shrewd manager in there just so we wouldn't think we knew it all.
Every time I read through the parable of the shrewd manager I think maybe this time God will open my eyes to the true meaning, and every time I come away empty. If I read it online, I often try to Google the understanding, but none of the commentaries I've read ring true. I almost thought I found an answer today, but it didn't really speak to my soul. I'm sure there are other parables that I'm wrong about what message God is telling me, but in this parable, I have no such doubts. I am positive that I don't know.
I was reading a blog the other day about anosognosia... not knowing what you don't know. In this case, I'm not clueless about my lack of knowledge, I know very clearly that I don't know what it means, but it got me to thinking about those areas where I think I know what God is telling me, but I'm wrong. Spiritual arrogance is a dangerous thing... maybe Jesus threw the parable of the shrewd manager in there just so we wouldn't think we knew it all.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Nature Trembles
Psalms 75-77
When the Red Sea saw you, O God, its waters looked and trembled! The sea quaked to its very depths. Seems nature may be brighter than some people. Throughout Biblical history, God has shown himself to be master over the wind and the waves, darkness and light, yet man still shakes a fist to heaven daring God to act. But let calamity fall upon them and see how fast they cry out for help. Father God, lead us and help us to follow that we may never stand up in defiance against you or your ways.
When the Red Sea saw you, O God, its waters looked and trembled! The sea quaked to its very depths. Seems nature may be brighter than some people. Throughout Biblical history, God has shown himself to be master over the wind and the waves, darkness and light, yet man still shakes a fist to heaven daring God to act. But let calamity fall upon them and see how fast they cry out for help. Father God, lead us and help us to follow that we may never stand up in defiance against you or your ways.
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Righteous Ones
Ezekiel 13-18
Through the prophet Ezekiel, the Lord calls out three men who were more righteous than others... Noah, Daniel, and Job. But Ezekiel had a somewhat different message for the Israelites. No matter the righteousness of these three, if the Lord were going to bring calamity down upon Israel and these three were there, their righteousness would not even save their own children, much less the nation of Israel, only themselves. God's message was that the sins of the fathers would not condemn the sons, nor would the sins of the son condemn the father, but the same would hold true for righteousness. Each would be judged based on their own righteousness. The choice of the three is also unexpected. Daniel was a contemporary of Ezekiel, but Job and Noah were more than 1000 years in the past. Some would have us believe that the Book of Job is fiction, but if that were so, why would God tell Ezekiel that he was righteous? Hmm...
Through the prophet Ezekiel, the Lord calls out three men who were more righteous than others... Noah, Daniel, and Job. But Ezekiel had a somewhat different message for the Israelites. No matter the righteousness of these three, if the Lord were going to bring calamity down upon Israel and these three were there, their righteousness would not even save their own children, much less the nation of Israel, only themselves. God's message was that the sins of the fathers would not condemn the sons, nor would the sins of the son condemn the father, but the same would hold true for righteousness. Each would be judged based on their own righteousness. The choice of the three is also unexpected. Daniel was a contemporary of Ezekiel, but Job and Noah were more than 1000 years in the past. Some would have us believe that the Book of Job is fiction, but if that were so, why would God tell Ezekiel that he was righteous? Hmm...
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Water Wells
Proverbs 5-6
Not only does God have a wonderful sense of humor, but he is also an incurable romantic... never giving up on the object of his love. In Proverbs 5, Solomon advises his sons in the ways of love, telling them to "drink water from your own well." Don't go off looking elsewhere for love, because that love will only disappoint, consume your wealth, and bring public disgrace. Something tells me that even though Solomon may have been "legal" with his 700 wives, he may have lost the essence of the distilled wisdom of Proverbs.
Not only does God have a wonderful sense of humor, but he is also an incurable romantic... never giving up on the object of his love. In Proverbs 5, Solomon advises his sons in the ways of love, telling them to "drink water from your own well." Don't go off looking elsewhere for love, because that love will only disappoint, consume your wealth, and bring public disgrace. Something tells me that even though Solomon may have been "legal" with his 700 wives, he may have lost the essence of the distilled wisdom of Proverbs.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Love and Submission
Ephesians 4-6
About a year or so after we got married, my previous roommate asked us to be a part of his wedding. So we packed up the car and drove to Frogmore, Louisiana. At a church service a day or two before the wedding, the minister preached a sermon on Ephesians 5... or maybe I should say he told us all how we were going to hell because of Ephesians 5. The way I remember it, I had to restrain Lisha at one point. To that minister, Paul's two verses about wifely submission were all that was required to condemn just about anything that a woman might aspire to do.
I'm no biblical scholar, and I don't know Greek, but I think Paul had a different goal. Paul gives very explicit directions to both husbands and wives. Husbands are to "love" their wives, wives are to "submit" to or "respect" their husbands. Why not just use love for both or submit for both? Perhaps Paul knew that women need love more than respect, and men need respect more than love for a relationship to succeed. Or, maybe as we see in 1 John... love is just another side of submission (obedience)... the male view versus the female view.
About a year or so after we got married, my previous roommate asked us to be a part of his wedding. So we packed up the car and drove to Frogmore, Louisiana. At a church service a day or two before the wedding, the minister preached a sermon on Ephesians 5... or maybe I should say he told us all how we were going to hell because of Ephesians 5. The way I remember it, I had to restrain Lisha at one point. To that minister, Paul's two verses about wifely submission were all that was required to condemn just about anything that a woman might aspire to do.
I'm no biblical scholar, and I don't know Greek, but I think Paul had a different goal. Paul gives very explicit directions to both husbands and wives. Husbands are to "love" their wives, wives are to "submit" to or "respect" their husbands. Why not just use love for both or submit for both? Perhaps Paul knew that women need love more than respect, and men need respect more than love for a relationship to succeed. Or, maybe as we see in 1 John... love is just another side of submission (obedience)... the male view versus the female view.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Biblical Comedy
1 Kings 14-18
I especially enjoy the occasional foray into comedy that scripture takes. One of my favorites is the great battle of the prophets which pits 450 prophets of Baal against Elijah, the prophet of God. Elijah, who knows the truth creates a contest and stacks the odds in favor of the prophets of Baal... except for one thing... their god Baal doesn't exist and Elijah's God does. The 450 prophets begin their dance and incantations and what not to no avail.
I especially enjoy the occasional foray into comedy that scripture takes. One of my favorites is the great battle of the prophets which pits 450 prophets of Baal against Elijah, the prophet of God. Elijah, who knows the truth creates a contest and stacks the odds in favor of the prophets of Baal... except for one thing... their god Baal doesn't exist and Elijah's God does. The 450 prophets begin their dance and incantations and what not to no avail.
About noontime Elijah began mocking them. “You’ll have to shout louder,” he scoffed, “for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs to be wakened!”I just love that. God is good... and has a sense of humor too!
Monday, June 21, 2010
My Sin, Your Sin
Leviticus 4-6
The Levitical concept of sin was markedly different from modern concepts of sin. Today there are those who claim innocence based on the fact that "everyone's doing it", but under Levitical law, that would classify it as a community sin that must be atoned for. Others would claim that "might makes right", but under Levitical law, that would classify it as a sin of the high priest or leader and the entire body would be held accountable unless it was atoned for. Being a stool pigeon is regarded in many circles as the lowest form of scum, but under Levitical law, failing to testify was as wrong as the sinful act being concealed. The Levitical law demanded that accidental sin and unknowingly sinning was just as wrong and must be atoned for.
The scriptural concept of sin is a literal "missing the mark." Growing up, we often used the phase "close only counts in hand grenades and horseshoes" when someone claimed that they had gotten close enough. In any discussion about sin, that old saying holds true, close enough is not good enough, it is still missing the mark. God was trying to move the Israelites in a different direction than everyone else. He set them apart... he made them holy... and yet, he knew they wouldn't stay that way. We always miss the mark and we need help... we need a Savior. Thank you Jesus, for showing the way.
The Levitical concept of sin was markedly different from modern concepts of sin. Today there are those who claim innocence based on the fact that "everyone's doing it", but under Levitical law, that would classify it as a community sin that must be atoned for. Others would claim that "might makes right", but under Levitical law, that would classify it as a sin of the high priest or leader and the entire body would be held accountable unless it was atoned for. Being a stool pigeon is regarded in many circles as the lowest form of scum, but under Levitical law, failing to testify was as wrong as the sinful act being concealed. The Levitical law demanded that accidental sin and unknowingly sinning was just as wrong and must be atoned for.
The scriptural concept of sin is a literal "missing the mark." Growing up, we often used the phase "close only counts in hand grenades and horseshoes" when someone claimed that they had gotten close enough. In any discussion about sin, that old saying holds true, close enough is not good enough, it is still missing the mark. God was trying to move the Israelites in a different direction than everyone else. He set them apart... he made them holy... and yet, he knew they wouldn't stay that way. We always miss the mark and we need help... we need a Savior. Thank you Jesus, for showing the way.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
He Didn't Say
Luke 13-14
Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He replied, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’
Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He replied, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’
Jesus said to work hard to enter the narrow door. He didn't say, that it was okay as long as you sincerely believe something else. He didn't say, you'll get a pass if you have a good excuse. He didn't say, that the most important thing was your happiness. He didn't say, everyone who goes to church on Sunday, we gt a pass. He didn't say, that if you follow the 10 commandments then you'll make it. He told us to work hard to enter the narrow door. If you see a crowd moving towards what they say is the Kingdom of God, be wary. The narrow door, is not the choice of the crowd, but the narrow door is the only way. Jesus is the way.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Me or Thee
Psalms 72-74
What a contrast between the thoughts expressed by Solomon in Psalm 72 and those expressed by Asaph in Psalm 73. Solomon seemed to be mostly concerned with himself. It's not that he totally forgot God, just that his prayer to God was primarily about making himself into a great king that everyone would bow down to. His ending seems somewhat similar to modern evangelicals who might go on and on in "prayer" about themselves, only to end with "in Jesus' name," as though adding that magical incantation at the end would make everything else perfectly good and right.
Asaph's approach was quite different. Although he still has worldly cares, Asaph resigns his position to decide the fate of others and acknowledges that God is king. He realizes that he has tried to reign and has been foolish in the process. He decides it is far better to rest in the shadow of the true king. We would be best served by following after Asaph's example.
What a contrast between the thoughts expressed by Solomon in Psalm 72 and those expressed by Asaph in Psalm 73. Solomon seemed to be mostly concerned with himself. It's not that he totally forgot God, just that his prayer to God was primarily about making himself into a great king that everyone would bow down to. His ending seems somewhat similar to modern evangelicals who might go on and on in "prayer" about themselves, only to end with "in Jesus' name," as though adding that magical incantation at the end would make everything else perfectly good and right.
Asaph's approach was quite different. Although he still has worldly cares, Asaph resigns his position to decide the fate of others and acknowledges that God is king. He realizes that he has tried to reign and has been foolish in the process. He decides it is far better to rest in the shadow of the true king. We would be best served by following after Asaph's example.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Called to Account
Ezekiel 7-12
God rescued the Israelites, not just from slavery in Egypt, but also from a life of slavery to pagan gods who don't exist. Prior to becoming the chosen people of God, the Israelites were much the same as all the other people of the fertile crescent... and a key part of their existence was worshiping gods made of stone and wood. God changed all that. He opened their eyes to a different way... he set them apart from all the other peoples and made them holy. No wonder then, that as they slid back into their previous habits and worshiped man-made gods, that he became angry with their detestable acts. Ezekiel was sent out to these people bringing the prophetic word of God, but with a difference. Ezekiel was talking to the remnant left behind when the rest of Israel had been carried off into bondage once more. You would have thought that the remnant would have seen the light, but they took the exact opposite path. They incorrectly argued that God wasn't paying them any attention, so they could do whatever they pleased, but God was still very much interested in their actions, and could see them quire well. God told Ezekiel to inform the remnant, that God would find another remnant, that he would rid himself of this detestable remnant.
Good thing that can't happen today, right? Wrong! Jesus clearly enunciated the principle of expecting more from those who had been given more. Christians in the 21st century cannot claim not to know what God expects. We will be called to account just as the ancient Jews were. Will God find us detestable or holy?
God rescued the Israelites, not just from slavery in Egypt, but also from a life of slavery to pagan gods who don't exist. Prior to becoming the chosen people of God, the Israelites were much the same as all the other people of the fertile crescent... and a key part of their existence was worshiping gods made of stone and wood. God changed all that. He opened their eyes to a different way... he set them apart from all the other peoples and made them holy. No wonder then, that as they slid back into their previous habits and worshiped man-made gods, that he became angry with their detestable acts. Ezekiel was sent out to these people bringing the prophetic word of God, but with a difference. Ezekiel was talking to the remnant left behind when the rest of Israel had been carried off into bondage once more. You would have thought that the remnant would have seen the light, but they took the exact opposite path. They incorrectly argued that God wasn't paying them any attention, so they could do whatever they pleased, but God was still very much interested in their actions, and could see them quire well. God told Ezekiel to inform the remnant, that God would find another remnant, that he would rid himself of this detestable remnant.
Good thing that can't happen today, right? Wrong! Jesus clearly enunciated the principle of expecting more from those who had been given more. Christians in the 21st century cannot claim not to know what God expects. We will be called to account just as the ancient Jews were. Will God find us detestable or holy?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
At His Father's Knee
Proverbs 4
I wonder what life was like for a young Solomon in David's house. With several wives and other children of various ages and a kingdom to run, Solomon must not have had a lot of playtime with his father. Even though playtime may have been in short supply, Solomon surely must have spent some time at David's knees learning from the king, for when he became king, Solomon remembered...
I wonder what life was like for a young Solomon in David's house. With several wives and other children of various ages and a kingdom to run, Solomon must not have had a lot of playtime with his father. Even though playtime may have been in short supply, Solomon surely must have spent some time at David's knees learning from the king, for when he became king, Solomon remembered...
My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you.When the Lord spoke to Solomon, he gave Solomon one wish, and Solomon asked for wisdom. A value he learned at his father's knee. It's great if father's can spend some playtime with their children, but it is far more important that they teach them values.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Guarantee
Ephesians 1-3
How do we know whether we are one of God's children? Paul tells us that "The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people." In other words, if the spirit is not working within us... we are not his children. If we try to quench the working of the spirit in us, we are running away from the Father. If we are ashamed of the outpouring of the spirit in us, we are ashamed of the the Father. If we want the inheritance that Christ sacrificed his life for, then we should actively seek out the spirit... we should nurture the spirit's claim upon our lives... we should celebrate the outpouring of the spirit's gifts... and praise the Father and Son who make it possible.
How do we know whether we are one of God's children? Paul tells us that "The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people." In other words, if the spirit is not working within us... we are not his children. If we try to quench the working of the spirit in us, we are running away from the Father. If we are ashamed of the outpouring of the spirit in us, we are ashamed of the the Father. If we want the inheritance that Christ sacrificed his life for, then we should actively seek out the spirit... we should nurture the spirit's claim upon our lives... we should celebrate the outpouring of the spirit's gifts... and praise the Father and Son who make it possible.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Wasted Chances
1 Kings 10-13
Solomon's great wisdom served him well in acquiring wealth and leading his people. Unfortunately he had a fatal flaw... throughout his reign, he was apparently without an active prophet who was regularly communicating with God, and without any significant accountability... because he was so wise. Solomon consequently married 700 wives and had 300 concubines. Not smart. He also worshiped their foreign gods, dumber still. Oh, and he built altars and shrines to the other gods. Worst move yet. The Lord was very angry with Solomon and removed his blessing. Sadly, Rehoboam (his son) and Jeroboam (the man chosen by God to be his successor) both waste their opportunities to turn back to God, and instead focus on their selfish goals, thus beginning the demise of God's chosen people. What will we do with the chances that God has bestowed upon us? He has given us the keys to the kingdom, will we use them to lift up God or ourselves?
Solomon's great wisdom served him well in acquiring wealth and leading his people. Unfortunately he had a fatal flaw... throughout his reign, he was apparently without an active prophet who was regularly communicating with God, and without any significant accountability... because he was so wise. Solomon consequently married 700 wives and had 300 concubines. Not smart. He also worshiped their foreign gods, dumber still. Oh, and he built altars and shrines to the other gods. Worst move yet. The Lord was very angry with Solomon and removed his blessing. Sadly, Rehoboam (his son) and Jeroboam (the man chosen by God to be his successor) both waste their opportunities to turn back to God, and instead focus on their selfish goals, thus beginning the demise of God's chosen people. What will we do with the chances that God has bestowed upon us? He has given us the keys to the kingdom, will we use them to lift up God or ourselves?
Monday, June 14, 2010
He Has His Reasons
Leviticus 1-3
The grain offering of Leviticus 2 was to be prepared with oil and salt, but without yeast or honey. As I mulled over the reasons why oil and salt were necessary, but yeast and honey would be forbidden, no reason really stuck out. I looked at several commentaries where learned men explained the hidden symbolism of...
The grain offering of Leviticus 2 was to be prepared with oil and salt, but without yeast or honey. As I mulled over the reasons why oil and salt were necessary, but yeast and honey would be forbidden, no reason really stuck out. I looked at several commentaries where learned men explained the hidden symbolism of...
- oil - grace, anointing, Holy Spirit
- salt - savory, incorruptibility, wisdom
- yeast - pride, malice, hypocrisy
- honey - sensual pleasure, artificiality, man adding to God's goodness
Sunday, June 13, 2010
The Beginning and the End
Luke 11-12
I am struck and convicted by the narrowness of my scriptural knowledge. The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 is very familiar and an example that I use in my walk, but my familiarity is only with the actual parable, not the lead in or the walk away. A man comes to Jesus to have his brother judged as guilty for not sharing, but Jesus will have none of that... knowing the other side of the story too. Perhaps this man had sold his portion of the estate to his brother as Esau did, whatever the case Jesus' response must have caught the accuser off guard. He asks the man "who made me judge over you?" but doesn't leave it there. Instead, Jesus addresses the bigger issue of greed on both sides of the argument, thus introducing the parable of the rich fool, whose life would be required of him that very night. But Jesus' lesson is NOT that it is improper to merely possess wealth. Rather, his ending line is this... “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
If you quit the story too early, you miss the whole point, for wealth is not sin, although greed is. And greed is sin in that it steals your heart from what your true love should be... a rich relationship with God. Not just a friend relationship, or a bride relationship, but a relationship like the love that Elizabeth Barrett Browning spoke of...
I am struck and convicted by the narrowness of my scriptural knowledge. The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 is very familiar and an example that I use in my walk, but my familiarity is only with the actual parable, not the lead in or the walk away. A man comes to Jesus to have his brother judged as guilty for not sharing, but Jesus will have none of that... knowing the other side of the story too. Perhaps this man had sold his portion of the estate to his brother as Esau did, whatever the case Jesus' response must have caught the accuser off guard. He asks the man "who made me judge over you?" but doesn't leave it there. Instead, Jesus addresses the bigger issue of greed on both sides of the argument, thus introducing the parable of the rich fool, whose life would be required of him that very night. But Jesus' lesson is NOT that it is improper to merely possess wealth. Rather, his ending line is this... “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
If you quit the story too early, you miss the whole point, for wealth is not sin, although greed is. And greed is sin in that it steals your heart from what your true love should be... a rich relationship with God. Not just a friend relationship, or a bride relationship, but a relationship like the love that Elizabeth Barrett Browning spoke of...
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
It's What Lovers Do
Psalms 69-71
May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!”
May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!”
When I first read that it struck me as just another example of how we don't worship the same way our fathers of old did, but as I considered it more, I begin to see in it... simple wisdom. When we love anyone dearly, we sing their praises. At competitions we cheer when our children are faster or smarter, etc. and tell others how great they are. We brag on our spouses and tell others how great they are. Why wouldn't we repeatedly shout "God is Great" when we consider the work of his hand and the salvation that he bought for us. God, you are so great, and I am so small, have mercy on me.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Indescribable
Ezekiel 1-6
The prophet Ezekiel, son of man, had a vision of the Lord Almighty and he tried to explain the vision. How do you describe the indescribable? You put it all on paper as soon as you can then you re-read it and say to yourself, "No, that's not exactly it" and try over and over again and yet nothing that you can think of for an analogy even comes close, so you start mutating this trait of this animal with this trait of another, because you see more than just the physical embodiment of a lion or eagle or ox... you see power and strength and glory and... it never does the object of your worship justice, so you fall down on your face and just worship. Ezekiel did, and God lifted him up and gave him a mission. He has a mission for us to, but first we must obey, love and worship.
The prophet Ezekiel, son of man, had a vision of the Lord Almighty and he tried to explain the vision. How do you describe the indescribable? You put it all on paper as soon as you can then you re-read it and say to yourself, "No, that's not exactly it" and try over and over again and yet nothing that you can think of for an analogy even comes close, so you start mutating this trait of this animal with this trait of another, because you see more than just the physical embodiment of a lion or eagle or ox... you see power and strength and glory and... it never does the object of your worship justice, so you fall down on your face and just worship. Ezekiel did, and God lifted him up and gave him a mission. He has a mission for us to, but first we must obey, love and worship.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Curse or Discipline
Proverbs 2-3
Wisdom. Without wisdom and understanding we can't even tell the difference between a curse and discipline. Consider the difference between the middle and the end of Proverbs 3.
When a trial comes upon you, can you determine whether it is a curse or discipline? What's the difference anyway? Seems to me that the same trial (short of eternal damnation) can befall us as either a curse or discipline. The primary difference is in the condition of our heart. If we seek the Lord's will in all we do, we may well be disciplined, but can be assured that the Lord's curse will not be placed upon us.
Wisdom. Without wisdom and understanding we can't even tell the difference between a curse and discipline. Consider the difference between the middle and the end of Proverbs 3.
Don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12
Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord... The Lord curses the house of the wicked... The Lord mocks the mockers... [and] fools are put to shame! Proverbs 3:32-35
When a trial comes upon you, can you determine whether it is a curse or discipline? What's the difference anyway? Seems to me that the same trial (short of eternal damnation) can befall us as either a curse or discipline. The primary difference is in the condition of our heart. If we seek the Lord's will in all we do, we may well be disciplined, but can be assured that the Lord's curse will not be placed upon us.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Pulling His Hair Out
Galatians 4-6
Paul must have felt like pulling his hair out. He had brought the new covenant gospel to the people of Galatia and they had accepted the Lord in faith; but now, they wanted to go back to the old covenant... back to the slavery of the law, because they were being dragged back by Jewish believers who couldn't let go of the past.
Paul's contempt for those who would drag his new converts into the slavery of the law isn't hidden very well. They are trying to convince the Gentiles that they must be circumcised if they really believe. Paul voices his displeasure by wishing that those who would do this to the Galatians should cut off all of their masculinity for trying to do this to the Gentiles.
What words would Paul have for the Christian denominations today who try to take today's converts into a slavery of the law by using Paul's very words in ways that are contrary to their intent... condemning those who dance, play cards, or smoke as though God had forbidden those actions. We should all seek a holy life, but that will never come from the law... the law only brings death.
Paul must have felt like pulling his hair out. He had brought the new covenant gospel to the people of Galatia and they had accepted the Lord in faith; but now, they wanted to go back to the old covenant... back to the slavery of the law, because they were being dragged back by Jewish believers who couldn't let go of the past.
Paul's contempt for those who would drag his new converts into the slavery of the law isn't hidden very well. They are trying to convince the Gentiles that they must be circumcised if they really believe. Paul voices his displeasure by wishing that those who would do this to the Galatians should cut off all of their masculinity for trying to do this to the Gentiles.
What words would Paul have for the Christian denominations today who try to take today's converts into a slavery of the law by using Paul's very words in ways that are contrary to their intent... condemning those who dance, play cards, or smoke as though God had forbidden those actions. We should all seek a holy life, but that will never come from the law... the law only brings death.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The First Pot-Luck Supper
1 Kings 5-9
How do you celebrate after seven years of hard work building a temple to the Lord? Solomon chose the big party approach... a peace offering of 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep. How do we put numbers like that into context? If McDonald's were serving that meat as quarter pounders, they would need 50 million buns and the Greek gyro restaurant would need 24 million pitas. Perhaps the temple dedication was the original church pot-luck supper.
Of course, just like today's church dedications, the building is worth nothing unless it is occupied by the Lord of the Heavens. God appeared to Solomon after the temple dedication and reiterated the covenant he made with Solomon's father, David... follow my commands and worship no other gods, and I will be your God. Abandon me and I will abandon you. Sadly, the religious fervor of the day wouldn't last even to the end of Solomon's rule.
How do you celebrate after seven years of hard work building a temple to the Lord? Solomon chose the big party approach... a peace offering of 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep. How do we put numbers like that into context? If McDonald's were serving that meat as quarter pounders, they would need 50 million buns and the Greek gyro restaurant would need 24 million pitas. Perhaps the temple dedication was the original church pot-luck supper.
Of course, just like today's church dedications, the building is worth nothing unless it is occupied by the Lord of the Heavens. God appeared to Solomon after the temple dedication and reiterated the covenant he made with Solomon's father, David... follow my commands and worship no other gods, and I will be your God. Abandon me and I will abandon you. Sadly, the religious fervor of the day wouldn't last even to the end of Solomon's rule.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Just as the Lord Had Commanded
Exodus 37-40
Those words epitomize the actions of the Israelites in the last chapters of Exodus. The Israelites ponied up more than a ton of gold and several tons of silver and bronze from their personal stores to make the Ark of the Covenant and other tabernacle furnishings. Throughout the process, the Israelites were keenly focused on doing just as the Lord had commanded... and as a result, the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
It wasn't always that way with the Israelites, but for this moment, they were united in earnestly seeking after God's will and doing just as the Lord had commanded. There is a lesson in their obedience for us even today. The Lord had given Moses very explicit instructions as to how to build his future home... if we wish for God to take up residence in our sanctuary, we also must obediently do just as the Lord has commanded.
Those words epitomize the actions of the Israelites in the last chapters of Exodus. The Israelites ponied up more than a ton of gold and several tons of silver and bronze from their personal stores to make the Ark of the Covenant and other tabernacle furnishings. Throughout the process, the Israelites were keenly focused on doing just as the Lord had commanded... and as a result, the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
It wasn't always that way with the Israelites, but for this moment, they were united in earnestly seeking after God's will and doing just as the Lord had commanded. There is a lesson in their obedience for us even today. The Lord had given Moses very explicit instructions as to how to build his future home... if we wish for God to take up residence in our sanctuary, we also must obediently do just as the Lord has commanded.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Vicarious Righteousness
Luke 9-10
When Jesus sent out his disciples to cast out demons and heal diseases, he caught the attention of Herod. Herod knew that he couldn't be John the Baptist because he had beheaded him, so Herod "tried to see him." What was it about Herod that drew him towards men of God, yet kept him at arms length once he was in their presence.
Perhaps Herod is proof that God desires that none should perish and yet that we have free will to choose to follow him or follow our own desires. God wrote the truth on Herod's heart and sent messengers to speak the truth and be the truth, yet Herod remained mired in his own selfish pride and sin. Herod was only interested in vicariously living a righteous life while actually living a licentious life. Are we guilty of the same?
When Jesus sent out his disciples to cast out demons and heal diseases, he caught the attention of Herod. Herod knew that he couldn't be John the Baptist because he had beheaded him, so Herod "tried to see him." What was it about Herod that drew him towards men of God, yet kept him at arms length once he was in their presence.
Perhaps Herod is proof that God desires that none should perish and yet that we have free will to choose to follow him or follow our own desires. God wrote the truth on Herod's heart and sent messengers to speak the truth and be the truth, yet Herod remained mired in his own selfish pride and sin. Herod was only interested in vicariously living a righteous life while actually living a licentious life. Are we guilty of the same?
Saturday, June 5, 2010
The Smallest Details
Psalms 66-68
Our God is so great... he takes care of even the smallest details. In Psalm 68:6, David tells us that "God places the lonely in families." How horrible if it were not so, but God has so ordained the world that each is born into its own kind, that none should be lonely without others that care for them.
The essence of gratefulness is to acknowledge the small ways that another has made our lives better. Whether a spouse, or a child, a co-worker, or a stranger... we can acknowledge how the small kindness they have performed has made our life more complete. Too often I constrain my thankfulness to the mega-blessings... choosing to hold back my thanks unless the blessing is too big to miss when peering past the log in my eye. I fail in this so often, Lord help me to see with David's eyes the little things you and others have done for me. Thank you, precious savior.
Our God is so great... he takes care of even the smallest details. In Psalm 68:6, David tells us that "God places the lonely in families." How horrible if it were not so, but God has so ordained the world that each is born into its own kind, that none should be lonely without others that care for them.
The essence of gratefulness is to acknowledge the small ways that another has made our lives better. Whether a spouse, or a child, a co-worker, or a stranger... we can acknowledge how the small kindness they have performed has made our life more complete. Too often I constrain my thankfulness to the mega-blessings... choosing to hold back my thanks unless the blessing is too big to miss when peering past the log in my eye. I fail in this so often, Lord help me to see with David's eyes the little things you and others have done for me. Thank you, precious savior.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Cry, The Beloved Country
Lamentations
In junior high or high school I read Cry, the Beloved Country. I haven't thought about that book for thirty years, yet today when I opened up the Book of Lamentations, I had this overwhelming feeling that Lamentations was to the Israelites, what Cry, the Beloved Country was to South Africa. Maybe because we recently watched the new movie Invictus... maybe because we have a stop-over in South Africa when we travel to Zambia later this summer... whatever the reason, looking back at some Cliff Notes on the book just seems to validate the connection. I don't recall much of the story, but I definitely recall the sadness I felt after first reading the book... that same sadness came upon me today as a read the opening lines to Lamentations... that sadness was capped off with the lines "The roads to Jerusalem are in mourning, for crowds no longer come to celebrate the festivals." When even the roads cry out in loneliness and despair, how can man go on?
In junior high or high school I read Cry, the Beloved Country. I haven't thought about that book for thirty years, yet today when I opened up the Book of Lamentations, I had this overwhelming feeling that Lamentations was to the Israelites, what Cry, the Beloved Country was to South Africa. Maybe because we recently watched the new movie Invictus... maybe because we have a stop-over in South Africa when we travel to Zambia later this summer... whatever the reason, looking back at some Cliff Notes on the book just seems to validate the connection. I don't recall much of the story, but I definitely recall the sadness I felt after first reading the book... that same sadness came upon me today as a read the opening lines to Lamentations... that sadness was capped off with the lines "The roads to Jerusalem are in mourning, for crowds no longer come to celebrate the festivals." When even the roads cry out in loneliness and despair, how can man go on?
Only God can bring one through a storm such as that."And were your back as broad as heaven, and your purse full of gold, and did your compassion reach from here to hell itself, there is nothing you can do." — Alan Paton (Cry, the Beloved Country)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
America's Funniest Videos
Proverbs 1
Reading through verses 25 and 26, I was taken aback. "You ignored my advice... so I will laugh when you are in trouble!" After contemplating this for a while; however, I feel more comfortable with it. In fact, I realize we do this frequently. While I'm not sure the producers know it, the television show America's Funniest Videos could very well be based on this proverb. A large percentage of the videos submitted fall into the category of videos of people who ignore conventional wisdom and fall into calamity, and then the viewers laugh at the miscreants. While I can envision many of today's churchgoers saying that it is unchristian to laugh at others when misfortune comes their way, King Solomon clearly thought differently. If a fool chooses to ignore the wisdom of others, they are simply reaping what they sow when the truth is revealed.
Reading through verses 25 and 26, I was taken aback. "You ignored my advice... so I will laugh when you are in trouble!" After contemplating this for a while; however, I feel more comfortable with it. In fact, I realize we do this frequently. While I'm not sure the producers know it, the television show America's Funniest Videos could very well be based on this proverb. A large percentage of the videos submitted fall into the category of videos of people who ignore conventional wisdom and fall into calamity, and then the viewers laugh at the miscreants. While I can envision many of today's churchgoers saying that it is unchristian to laugh at others when misfortune comes their way, King Solomon clearly thought differently. If a fool chooses to ignore the wisdom of others, they are simply reaping what they sow when the truth is revealed.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Still Missing the Point
Galatians 1-3
Two thousand years ago, Paul tried to convince the Christians from Galatia that salvation came through faith, not the law. They believed at first and then wanted to backslide into the law. The sad funny part of that is that Christians today still want to depend on the law for their salvation. Too often, those who are growing in the faith take on a love for the law... especially as it relates to other people's behavior. They want to reinstate the 10 commandments as the arbiter of good and evil (probably because they think they have finally mastered them). But Christ and Paul were both very clear... the law has been fulfilled... it is finished. We are no longer bound by the law of sin, but freed by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The law leads to death, and faith to life. Hallelujah!
Two thousand years ago, Paul tried to convince the Christians from Galatia that salvation came through faith, not the law. They believed at first and then wanted to backslide into the law. The sad funny part of that is that Christians today still want to depend on the law for their salvation. Too often, those who are growing in the faith take on a love for the law... especially as it relates to other people's behavior. They want to reinstate the 10 commandments as the arbiter of good and evil (probably because they think they have finally mastered them). But Christ and Paul were both very clear... the law has been fulfilled... it is finished. We are no longer bound by the law of sin, but freed by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The law leads to death, and faith to life. Hallelujah!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Just or Just Facts
1 Kings 1-4
Sometimes when reading through scripture, especially the Old Testament, I have to wonder whether the word is just reciting the facts as they occurred or providing an example of righteous, just actions... 1Kings begins just that way. King David has just named Solomon as his successor and is now giving him his last words of advice when he comes up with the following:
Was all that God's plan? Or was it just what happened? Sometimes it is hard to tell.
Sometimes when reading through scripture, especially the Old Testament, I have to wonder whether the word is just reciting the facts as they occurred or providing an example of righteous, just actions... 1Kings begins just that way. King David has just named Solomon as his successor and is now giving him his last words of advice when he comes up with the following:
- Concerning Joab... Do with him what you think best, but don’t let him grow old and go to his grave in peace.
- Concerning Shimei son of Gera... I swore by the Lord that I would not kill him. But that oath does not make him innocent. You are a wise man, and you will know how to arrange a bloody death for him.
Was all that God's plan? Or was it just what happened? Sometimes it is hard to tell.
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